jVlcGlbb FORTNIGHTfey
A Fortnightly Journal of Literature, University Thought and Event.
Vol. IV. MONTREAL, NOVEMBER 27, 1895. No. 4
* EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-ivrckief— Robert T. Mullin (Law *96).
Secretary — J. C. Robertson (Arts ’96).
Hakri Dell (Comp. Med. and Vet. Sc. *96). Wm. McDougall (Sc. *96).
W. B. Mo watt, B.A. (Med. ’96). Miss W. J. Pitcher (Donalda ’96
Dr. R. Tait McKenzie (Graduates Society).
* BUSINESS BOARD &
S. G. Archibald (Arts *97), Chairman .
Edgar N. Armstrong, B.A. (Law *97). Miss M. Hutchinson (Donalda *96).
Wm. Proderick (Med. '96). J. W. Bell (Sc. *97).
J. J. McCarrey (Comp. Med. and Vet. Sc. '96).
The McGill Fortnightly is published by the Students of the University
on the Wednesday of every second week during the College Session.
The annual subscription is $1.00, payable strictly in advance. Remittance to
be made to the Chairman of the Business Board, 113 McKay Street, Montreal.
Single copies may be obtained at Win. Drysdale & Co/s, E. M. RenouFs, Cyrus
Ashford’s, Chapman’s and W. Foster Brown’s, Booksellers. Price, 10 cents.
Address Contributions to Editor-in-Chief, 105 St. Hubert Street, Montreal.
EDITORIAL COMMENTS.
JOURNALISM.
We learn from an Exchange, that sixty students
of Harvard are engaged in the editing and manage-
ment of the five journals published by the under-
graduates of that great University. Sixty embryo
journalists every year taking a one-year course in
. practical journalism, — enough to make quite a res-
pectable Faculty in many Universities- Doubtless
many of our students are aware that special train-
ing is provided in many American Universities
for students intending to devote themselves to
newspaper work — or, rather, we should say, to the
profession of Journalism, for so it is now called. It
is doubtful, indeed, if these courses are of much prac-
tical value to the prospective journalist. An ordi-
nary college education, wide general reading, and an
inclination to the work are the best preliminary
guarantees of success. The rest must be acquired in
practice. It is not likely that we will have special
training provided in McGill with a view to journalism
for some time ^to come. Nor is it desirable, or
necessary, even if a large number of our students
intended taking up that work. Rather before that
and before all other things, let us have that course on
Political Science, for which we have all been so long
hungering and thirsting. Nevertheless, the subject is
not uninteresting in view of the fact that many gra-
duates of McGill are to-day engaged in newspaper
work, while some are exerting an immense influence
on public opinion through the editorial columns of
some of our own journals. It may strike the reader
as somewhat curious, that in the United States,
where such unusual provision has been made for
special training in journalism, and where so many
men take a college course preparatory to adopting the
Press as their life-work, the tone of the American
press should remain so low, and that the worst features
of journalism should be so prevalent in the Press over
the border. It certainly would be curious, if such
were the whole case. There, as here, there are news-
papers and newspapers. In the city of New York,
for instance, there are many journals, which we could
name, decidedly conservative in tone, independent,
clean and non-sensational, while they are edited with
consummate ability. Some New York editors have
even gone so far as to draw up a list of words — we
might call them suspicious words — which are fre-
quently met with in newspaper reading, not to men-
tion their ordinary use in common parlance, and these
the writers and reporters engaged on their papers
will use at their peril. The best type of American
journal is, like our own, midway between the pon-
derous English journal and the ordinary typical
American newspaper. And to the busy man, they
are certainly preferable to the heavy English paper.
It is no light task to face the editorial columns of a
paper like, say, the London Times , every morning.
Charles A. Dana, editor of the New York Sun ,
in an exceedingly interesting lecture delivered to
the students of Union College some time ago, set out
the literary requisites essential to the success of a
journalist. As to a college education he considered
it almost indispensable. It will be observed that, in
this respect, his views differ somewhat from those of
Horace Greely, who, for newspaper work, held
college men in some contempt. The real newspaper
man, he declared, was the man who slept on news-
papers and ate ink. As to literary qualifications
then, Charles A. Dana put a thorough knowledge
of English as a first requisite ; and under this
head he thought every man should have a perfect
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McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
knowledge of these three books, viz. : The Bible,
Shakespeare and Milton ; a knowledge of politics
was another requisite ; and, lastly, a profound insight
into the principles and genius of the American Con-
stitution. Charles A. Dana is not the only editor in
the United States who has a lofty conception of the
nature and scope of his work and who has endeavored
to realize and embody it. Men of great political and
literary renown, and men of especial ability and char-
acter have been associated with the American news-
paper. They range all the way from Bryant down.
Nor should we forget that, in our own Dominion,
some of our most able public men have been con-
nected with the Press. And the Press is worthy of
our best men. It wields a mighty power in our
modern life for good, and — for evil. All men who
can read, read the papers, and some, only the
papers. To these, true, sound and useful knowledge,
conveyed through the medium of the daily or weekly
paper, is precious knowledge indeed. It has been
even charged that some public men, occupying no
mean position in the popular eye, have gleaned all
their knowledge of political and social questions from
the columns of the public press. This statement may
be a malicious one put forth by some political
enemy ; at all events, we can conceive of a condi-
tion of things wherein, although the assertion could
never be true to the hilt, yet it might approximate to
the full truth much nearer than it could possibly do
under present circumstances. And that with no
discredit to the public man. With regard to the
average citizen, it is, no doubt, now, quite true. The
practical question which occurs is this: Will the
advent of the college man improve the newspaper ?
It ought to : first, by raising the tone of the news-
paper language : the strong, clear, terse Anglo-Saxon
of the newspaper would soon become the popular
language; and, secondly, by discouraging sensation-
alism ; and, lastly, by bringing to the Press a manly,
courageous and independent spirit, which, we fear
it sadly needs at present. We want in Canada
papers like the grand old London Times , that can
neither be bribed nor coerced. We want a clean,
courageous and unsubsidized Press in Canada. We
want, in a word, Freedom of the Press.
The student-readers of the Fortnightly, whether
there is any liklihood of their ever drifting into
journalism or not, may find it to their advantage
hereafter to become journalists for the nonce, and
to take sufficient interest in this Journal to contribute
occasionally to its columns. If the editors have a
monopoly of the work, it is through grim necessity, not
choice. The paper is yours. If you have sent in
an article which has not appeared, it is because you
have failed to indicate an address to which it might
be sent for necessary changes, or for re-writing,
which latter no student ought to be ashamed to do.
WINTER SPORTS.
Now that the season for all summer and autumn
sports is past, and King Frost has compelled even the
lusty “pig-skin chaser” to lay aside canvas jacket
and shin guard, it behooves the student to look about
him for some way to divert himself during his leisure
hours.
A judicious use of dumb-bell and Indian club,
coupled with a brisk walk in the open air, will be of
the utmost service in keeping the system in proper
tone- A thorough gymnasium course is better still.
There, under a competent instructor, a man can begin
with elementary work, and gradually train his muscles
to a degree of development impossible in his own
room.
It is generally conceded, as far as we have been
able to learn, that last year’s open air rink was not a
flattering success. It was too small on which to play
hockey matches with any degree of comfort. Now, if
we only had a rink, say on the Campus, large enough
to play matches on, we could, with such a chance to
practise, and the material we have in the University,
turn out a team that would make the best of them
work to beat us.
We have heard it expressed that a snowshoe club
in connection with McGill would be a capital thing.
Why not have one ? With the number of fast men
attending our lectures, we could enter a team into all
the open steeple-chases held in Montreal during the
winter, and capture a large number of prizes. Then
we could have weekly tramps over the mountain.
What more exhilarating sport can be indulged in
than a tramp in the clear moonlight of a Canadian
winter’s evening with a jolly crowd ? The blood leaps
through your veins, your spirits are buoyant, every
care and trouble is cast aside, and you return to book
or desk with new vigor.
Why can’t we have a College drive this winter ?
A few years ago the drive was looked forward to as
one of the most enjoyable functions of the year.
Let some of us take hold and start something that
will put some snap into our dull student existence.
We come to College to work, not to make slaves of
ourselves.
Let us hear from some of the boys regarding Win-
ter Sport for this year. If anyone has an idea that
might be acted upon, let him come out with it as soon
as possible, for there is much room for improvement
in the relations we students bear to one another in
McGill. We are not united, not bound together by
the ties of fiiendship that should exist amongst us as
students of Old McGill.
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
61
CORRESPONDENCE
To the Editor of the Fortnightly ; —
Now that the Christmas Examinations are close at
hand, to which most of us are already looking forward
with dread, I would like to suggest, through your
paper, to the Faculty of Applied Science, the num-
bering of Examination Papers instead of naming
them.
Science, for years past, has been the most progres-
sive of Faculties in the University in many respects ;
but in this one, she is still behind the times.
The Medical Faculty has for some time, I believe,
followed this plan, with, as far as I can learn, great
success, and would no sooner think of giving it up
than of giving up the examinations themselves.
Their system is, that each student on the roll is
given a number, which appears on the paper instead
of the name, the list of names with corresponding
numbers being in the possession of the Dean of the
Faculty, who, just before the declaration of results,
replaces the number by the name.
I think the advantages of the system will be appar-
ent to everybody, and especially to those who have
the examining of the papers.
The Professors wish, and try, we all know, to be
impartial ; but that is almost impossible.
Were this plan followed, I believe, with many others,
that the satisfaction of student and professor would
be greater.
X. Y. Z.
CONTRIBUTIONS.
GRAY’S ELEGY IN A COUNTRY
CHURCHYARD.
“ Stoke Poges, a parish of England , in Bucking-
hamshire near Slough , — 4 miles N. N. E. of Windsor.
The poet Gray is buried in the churchyard , which is the
supposed scene of his immortal Elegy T So says the
Gazetteer , and meeting with this note by chance
recently, set me “ a-thy nkynge” — with the recollection
that I had visited the charming spot referred to, one
amongst the hundreds of sweetly pretty views in rural
England ; — thence I was, in fancy, transported to
Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey, where, under
that of Milton, is an elegant monument erected to the
memory of Gray. It seems expressive of the com-
pliment contained in the epitaph, where the Lyric
Muse, in alt-relief, is holding a medallion of the Poet,
and at the same time pointing the finger up to the
bust of Milton, which is directly above it.
No more the Grecian muse unrivalPd reigns.
To Britain let the nations homage pay :
She felt a Homer’s fire in Milton’s strains,
A Pindar’s rapture in the lyre of Gray.”
Died July 30TH, 1771, aged 54.
JOHN BACON, sculptor.
This brought me to reflect on the Poet’s writings,
and foremost amongst them, the “ Immortal Elegy.’’
It has been the curious fortune of this famous poem
to be hacked and mangled, altered and changed, by
the publishers of the old editions, to an extent rarely
paralleled in any literary work. Gray himself was so
fastidious in his polishing and perfecting of it, that he
kept it nearly twenty years, touching it up and im-
proving it ; yet it seemed fated to go out to the world
with so many unwarranted changes, that it becomes a
matter of interest to see it in its true form, as the au-
thor finally left it.
This work seems to have been performed by Pro-
fessor Rolfe, who has taken great pains to present the
verses as Gray perfected them. There are many
small changes in some of the famous lines — the author’s
changes from the original version, and these were al-
ways for the better, — as well as corrections of the com-
monly received rendering.
“ The lowing herd wind slowly o’er the lea/’
is one of these — the author correctly writing it “ wind''
instead of “winds."
The beautiful second verse was not nearly so good
' as it now stands, in the author’s first copy, where he
had it thus : —
“ Now fades the glimmering landscape on the sight.
And ‘ now’ the air a solemn stillness holds,”
a far less perfect line than the one with which we are
all familiar,
c< And * all ) the air a solemn stillness holds.”
Here, we find another famous verse presented in a
shape woefully inferior to that in which it stands after
receiving the final touches of the author. Who could
have believed that the man who has told us how —
u The breezy call of incense-breathing morn,
The swallow twittering from the straw-built shed
The cock’s shrill clarion, or the echoing horn,
No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed,”
could have written it, and let it go, at first, in this
j unworthy shape ? —
“ Forever sleep ; the breezy call of morn,
Or swallow twitt’ring from the straw-built shed,
Or chanticleer so shrill, or echoing horn,
No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed.”
Of this famous poem, which has long since taken its
place among the classic productions of English liter-
ature, three M.S.S. in Gray’s handwriting still exist.
These serve to show the frequent and improving
touches which the poet put upon his work. The place
which the poem holds is certainly a higher one than
it could have hoped to attain, but for this careful ela-
boration and detailed polish to which the author sub-
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McGILL FORTNIGHTLY
jected it. Several good verses were stricken out by
Gray, perhaps not unwisely.
After the eighteenth stanza, “ The struggling pangs
of conscious truth to hide,” etc., theM.S. has the fol-
lowing four stanzas, now omitted : —
“ The thoughtless world to Majesty may bow,
Exalt the brave, and idolize success;
But more to innocence their safety owe
Than Power, or Genius, e’er conspired to bless. ”
“ And thou who, mindful of the unhonour’d Dead,
Dost in these notes their artless tale relate,
By night and lonely contemplation led
To wander in the gloomy walks of fate .’ 5
“ Hark ! how the sacred Calm, that breathes around,
Bids every fierce tumultuous passion cease ;
In still, small accents whisp’ring from the ground
A grateful earnest of eternal peace.”
“ No more with reason and thyself at strife,
Give anxious cares and endless wishes room ;
But through the cool sequester’d vale of life,
Pursue the silent tenour of thy doom.”
The Elegy was commenced in 1742, and was taken
up again probably in the winter of 1749, on the death
of his aunt ; it was certainly concluded at Stoke Pogis,
—whence it was sent to Walpole in a letter dated
June 12, I75 0> Walpole admired it greatly.
In February, 1751, the publisher of the Magazine
of Magazines wrote to Gray that he was about to
publish the Elegy. Gray wrote to Walpole to get the
poem published by Dodsley, and it appeared accord-
ingly on February 16, 1751. It went through four
editions in two months, and eleven in a short time,
besides being constantly pirated. Gray left all the
profit to Dodsley, declining to accept payment for
his poems.
It first appeared with Gray’s name in the Six Poems
in 1753.
Mason says that Gray originally gave it only the
simple title of Stanzas V ritten in a Country Church-
“ yard,” but that he “persuaded him to call it an Elegy
“ because the subject authorized him so to do, and
“ the alternate measure seemed particularly fit for that
“ species of composition ; also so capital a poem written
“ in this measure would, as it were, appropriate it in
“future to writings of this sort.”
The title of the eighth edition, 1753, is “ Elegy,
originally written in a Country Churchyard.”
Three copies of the Elegy in Gray’s handwriting
still exist. One of these belonged to Wharton, and
is now in the British Museum, the second is in posses-
sion of Pembroke College, the third was sold by auc-
tion in 1845, and brought ^100; in 1854 it was sold
for £131 ; and in 1875 it was bought by Sir William
Fraser for ^230, who had 100 copies of it printed in
1884.
One of the most curious alterations made by Gray
himself in this famous poem remains to be noticed,
viz. ; — the change in one of the most frequently quoted
verses, of the historical personages used for the illus-
tration of his meaning — a change from ancient Rome
to England of the 17th century. The “ Village Hamp-
den,’ the “ mute, inglorious Milton,” and the “ Crom-
well,” were originally Roman characters thus : —
“ Some village Cato, who, with dauntless breast,
The little tyrant of his fields w ithstood ;
Some mute, inglorious Tully here may rest,
Some Caesar guiltless of his country’s blood.”
This change to English, in the place of Roman
celebrities, was about the happiest one of all.
QUEVEDO REDIVIVUS.
THE SCOTTISH TEACHER OF THE PAST.
A SKETCH.
The parish schoolmaster of the past belonged to a
class of men and an institution peculiar to Scotland,
and the subject of this sketch was no exception to
the rule. He was a thorough Celt, full of emotion
that could be roused to vehemence, but mild, modest,
subdued, and firm. Between him and the parish
clergyman these was a close alliance formed by many
links. The incomes of both were secured by Parlia-
ment, and both held their appointment for life. Both
were members of the same church, and were obliged
to subscribe to the same confession of Faith ;.both
had attended the same University.
By reason of his very considerable scholarship and
culture, the minister considered the schoolmaster a
very suitable companion, and made him his confiden-
tial adviser and clerk of the Kirk session. The manse
and school stood in close proximity, and the two
worthies frequently met to discuss delicate questions
relating to the flock, or argue knotty theological
points and other subjects of equal mutual interest.
Although deeply involved in his church work, the
master never neglected the duties of his position, the
most important in the parish. The school was ever
his fitst duty, and there he diligently taught some
fifty 01 sixty scholais, braw lads and bonnie lassies,
for five days in the week, imparting knowledge in
the usual branches, and also instructing two or three
pupils in Latin, Greek and Mathematics in prepara-
tion for the University.
The glory of this old Scottish teacher was to
ground his pupils thoroughly in the elements. He
hated all shams, and placed little value on what was
acquired without labor. To master details, to stamp
gramma 1 lules, thoroughly understood, upon the
minds of his pupils as with a pen of iron was his
delight. He does not appear to have had the same
McGill fortnightly.
63
ardent desire that many of our present day teachers
have, to see how fast he could rush his pupils through
the greatest number of classical authors ; on the
contrary, it was a pleasure to him to move slowly and
accurately through one classic at a time. He had no
long spun theories about education, nor did he ever
try his hand at adjusting the fine mechanism of boys’
motives. “ Do your duty and learn thoroughly, or be
well licked “ obedience, work and no humbug,”
were the sort of Spartan axioms which expressed his
views ; and when he found boys honest at their work
he rejoiced in his own. Many a successful minister,
lawyer, and physician is able to recall this old gentle-
man as his earliest and best friend, as the one who
first kindled in him the love of learning, and helped
him in the pursuit of knowledge.
This worthy schoolmaster is long since dead. He
died as he lived, at peace with God and man. The
official residence has been changed to another part
of the parish, the garden and footpaths obliterated.
Verily, the place that once knew him knows him no
more.
G. C. A.
POETRY AND PROSE.
A custom, which, if not admirable in itself, has at
least the weight of popular sanction behind it, pre-
vails among writers upon controversial topics. The
essayist sets out by asserting that he knows all about
the matter under consideration, that its definition is
fastly determined and its provinces easily outlined,
and that he has in mind to settle at once and forever
those vexed points which have so long confused and
harassed unenlightened thinkers. And thereupon
he proceeds, after a more or less direct fashion, to
play the Socrates upon himself, entangling his own
feet in a mesh of uncertain assumptions and con-
tradictory conclusions, though lacking the eyes to
see and the honesty to blush with Thrasymachus
over the position he is found in.
There is a Persian proverb, with a quaint Oriental
ceremonialness about it, which says that mankind is
of four classes : First, he who knows not, and knows
not he knows not: he is a fool, shun him ! Second, he
who knows not, and knows he knows not : he is
ignorant, teach him ! Third, he 'who knows, and
knows not he knows : he is asleep, awake him! and
Fourth, he who knows, and knows he knows : he is
wise, follow him !
It is good to be wise, but that is given to few; the
wayfaring man, however, for the most part appreciates
the truth, even though he have not lips apt to de-
clare it, and needs only to be awakened from his
sleep to perceive that he already possesses that
knowledge in search of which he journeyed. The
past experience of the individual and of the race
have been organized in his nature into a touchstone
by which he instinctively tests the metals presented
to him, and — unconsciously, it may be, without ex-
plicit grounds, but — unerringly selects the true and
rejects the false. We know that this position is
tenable, we feel that that reasoning is fallacious, even
though we can give no articulate reasons for the
faith that is in us.
And in the matter of defining the provinces of
Prose and Poetry, where so many elements enter
into consideration, and the conception of their offices
is as varied as the individuals who define them, it
will be found that in spite of the fact that those who
undertake an elaborate demarcation of the two suc-
ceed usually in perpetuating their own voice only,
without multiplying it in the convictions of others,
yet every reader has a very lively and definite sense
of agreement with or dissent from his author.
Everyone, that is, believes that there is a very
real distinction between the two forms of writing,
and is continually making that distinction, — inarti-
culately and practically, if not explicitly and theor-
etically — in his criticism of literature. And it may
be that the difference is in evident and essential
things, not in obscure and accidental properties. Of
one thing we make no doubt : the form is inessential ;
the boldest didactic prose has time and again mas-
queraded under rhyme and metre, and some prose
poems which our English speech contains could
scarcely be improved by any trick of versification.
Poetry shall everywhere claim her own, under all
disguises ; and for these hypocrites in the church of
j song it shall be in vain to call upon Apollo with pro-
testations of “ Lord ! Lord ! ” saying : “ In Thy name
have we prophesied and done many mighty works,”
the final and inexorable answer of the god will be :
“ Depart from me ; T never knew you !”
The truth is, they serve another master, — if any —
and must of necessity be reckoned among those who
“ work iniquity.” The old rule here finds applica-
tion : “ By their fruits ye shall know them!” The
goat’s nature does not change because it has happened
to stray into the pastures of the sheep ; and the
worshipper of Beauty can recognize no other deity as
supreme, nor admit of any other homage, even
though that homage be paid to Truth itself.
As knowledge is to Beauty, so is Prose to Poetry.
The one is born of the artistic nature of man ; the
other is fashioned by his intellectual need. The one
seeks the Beautiful , the other the True. Prose is the
weapon of practical life, of man as conquering,
scientific, as logician and demonstrator. Poetry is
the instrument of the imagination, of man as appre-
ciator, connoisseur, as perceiver of the harmonies of
I things. The painter, the sculptor, the composer, the
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
6 4
architect all work with the same plastic materials;
they are brother-craftsmen of the one guild. And
all those who enter into the spirit of these workers,
— receptive, though not creative — do thereby become
for the moment, also artists. The wine-taster, too,
and the smoker, watching through half-closed eyes
the revolving circles float lazily upward through
the thin blue air, are, in their own dumb way,
poets.
Universally the imaginative, artistic nature de r
velops and finds expression before the reasoning,
scientific faculty. The youth of the individual and
of the race is through and through poetic, imagina-
tive. It creates and personifies ; it invests the
world with its own qualities and modes of acting and
feeling. With maturity only comes the rationalizing
habit, the recognition of a scientific outer order, and
the impersonal investigation of it. The earliest ex-
pression of the thought of a people is everywhere in
verse ; prose is usually an extremely late develop-
ment. The English tongue has a literature extending
over a dozen centuries, yet Thomas Hobbes was per-
haps the first to conceive prose in its true modern
sense. Those examples of the prose form which
preceded him constantly involve poetic elements.
In his hands did the English speech first become the
sufficient instrument of thoroughly disciplined
thought. In his works the form is wholly subser-
vient to the matter, and Hobbes is, in virtue of this,
forever the model of what English prose should be.
There may, indeed, be shortcomings in Hobbes’s
style ; he may have failed, in many instances, to at-
tain that which he sought; but he has, nevertheless,
with splendid power set before us, in his example as
well as in his endeavor, the ideal and type of all true
prose-writing.
The thought must be supreme for the writer in
prose, his whole duty and his sole purpose being to
set that in an utterly lucid form before his readers.
This is his one work : whatever will best subserve
that end, he seeks ; whatever hinders it, he must
reject. To express the thought in the clearest, most
forcible and fittest manner is the sole criterion of ex-
cellence in prose-writing.
“The words,” it has beautifully been said, “must
be a clear window through which the thought has
unimpeded passage,” its one essential character beino-
capacity for perfect transmission. For this purpose,
indeed, the utmost care must be taken of the form in
which the thought is expressed. Every element and
every relation in the paragraph and its component
sentences is of importance j the expression must be
lucid, forcible and harmonious. Beauty is thus an
essential quality in prose as in poetry ; but while in
poetry its value is primary, in prose it is derived, for
here, indeed, it is only negative, its office being by
the satisfaction of the aesthetic nature to render the
flow of thought as unimpeded as possible. Beauty
in prose has thus only a dependent not an absolute
value, deriving its worth from the service which it
renders to Truth.
It is, indeed, strictly limited in this regard, for if it
be too strongly emphasized, even though that em-
phasis be an unquestionable intensification of the
beauty, it nevertheless detracts from the perfection of
the work, as a piece of prose-writing, by drawing at-
tention to itself and causing the mind to dwell upon
the beauty of the expression as a thing of worth in
itself. This may be done in some writing, — it must
be done in much writing; but wherever it is done,
the composition becomes, in so far, poetry, not
prose.
For here, if anywhere, I must mark the transition
from the one class of work to the other. In prose
the form must be nothing in itself, that thereby the
idea may be all. The thought must pass through it
as through a clear glass, and for this purpose utter
transparency is the one thing needful. To this end
the best materials must be found : in other words,
carefullest selection of words is necessary, in order
that the idea may be exactly represented ; these
materials — the lime and silica of our spiritual
window — must be combined in the right propor-
tions, — that is, the relation of element to element in
the period is to be weighed and nicely determined ;
and the whole medium must be clearly and high'y
polished, — in literal terms, the greatest possible
beauty and harmony of expression must be sought.
These demands are imperative, but imperative only
as are their counterparts in the figure used, as — the
condition of perfect capacity for the transmission of
the light of thought.
In poetry, on the other hand, these elements have
a value in themselves apart from the idea expressed.
The thought “ sticks in the utterance,” instead of
passing unimpeded through, and gains a new beauty
thereby. The imagination of the poet
“like a dome of many colored glass
Stains the white radiance of eternity,”
and these unimagined colors, this golden glow into
which the alchemy of his genius has transmitted the
sober light of day is not with him a means but an
end. Truth becomes here the handmaiden of
Beauty, essential indeed, — absolutely so in all true
art, but subservient only, and in no way fashioning
or compelling the greater Spirit.
The relations of the two qualities in these two pro-
vinces of writing are indeed reversed. For in poetry
it is Beauty which gives worth to all other elements.
A poem must not shock the moral sense, not because
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
65
it thereby falls away from truth, but because it thus
becomes by so much the less beautiful. The Trite,
the Beautiful ; these are the words of Prose and of
Foetry, and all values must be assigned by relation
to them and to them alone.
Berlin, Robert MacDougall.
WAR CRIES.
No doubt it will be generally admitted by specula-
tive minds, that the subject of war cries is an exceed-
ingly interesting and intellectual one, and anyone
who has earnestly endeavored to analyze the com-
plexity of feeling to which they give expression must
come to the conclusion that here is a problem, or rather
a realm of problems, worthy of the ability and the
effort of a veteran scientist. Take, for example, the
war cry of the Rumpty-Foo Indians, which, as
everybody knows, is “ Wiang, wiang, wong, wang,
wong, wingty, wingty, wing, wang, wong.” When
one pictures to himself a noble tribe of savages (and
the Rumptiesare both noble and savage) giving forth
to the world the melodious echoes of such a war cry
as that, one is naturally led back to the gentle days of
chivalry.
The “W” which is so prominent in this noble out-
burst of feeling, as well-known psychologists have
already pointed out, clearly expresses the sentiment
contained in the native word “ Wiggewawa,” which is
obviously connected with our own word wig, and is
forcibly significant of scalps and scalping. This is
interesting from an ethnological as well as a psychol-
ogical point of view, as it points to an original relation-
ship between the Rumpty-Foos and the Red Indians
of North America, though even this obvious conclu-
sion has been disputed. A more extended enquiry
into the meaning of the term wiggewawa leads us to
infer that it expresses very much the same feelings as
are so well depicted in the words of a certain old
gentleman, who, according to Dickens, kept a second-
hand establishment near Portsmouth at one time, and
forms one of the most striking pictures in the works
of the great novelist. Perhaps it might prejudice my
friends the Indians in the mind of the reader if I
were to go farther into detail. A point of particular
interest is noticeable in connection with the repetition
of the syllable “mg.” I trace in it the source from
which the Swiss bagpipes must have been evolved in
some remote period of the history of evolution ; and
I think it strange that evolutionists have not advanced
this fact in support of their theory, for assuredly it is
both striking and powerful.
Before passing from this interesting example of
emotional expression, I would notice the significant
hint conveyed in the syllables “ wing, wang, wong,”
which no doubt have already suggested to those inter-
ested in this subject the many Chinese laundries which
decorate the cities of the world at the present day.
Without doubt, the meaning intended to be conveyed
is that not only will the Rumpty warriors reluctantly
slay their enemies, but they will also take from them
all they possess,— in fact, strip them clean.
But we now come to a war cry which is far more
interesting to us, as it expresses all the deep feelings
of our own University, — the war cry of McGill “ M-C-
G-I-L-L, What’s the matter with old McGill, she’s
all right, oh yes, you bet!!!” What memories it
awakens ! What associations it calls up ! What anti-
quity and wisdom it represents ! As may be natur-
ally supposed, this war cry is far more intellectual than
the one we have just been considering, and therefore
it requires more concentrated thought, more earnest
attention, to understand and elucidate the intricacies
of feeling that are contained in it.
The “M ” is plain enough, and is addressed to all
opponents of McGill in whatever sphere of rivalry
they appear. It means simply “ My magnificentico,
you think yourself so great ! ” This letter is empha-
sized naturally when we are not so successful as we
might be, and need encouragement, and therefore
should be taken as an expression of honest scorn and
determined purpose rather than one of personal
aggrandizement. The “ C ” is printed small, and wisely
so, for it represents sweet innocent childhood ; but it
says : — “ We are more than seven.” I believe that
those who have investigated the matter hold that
this has special reference to the students of the First
Year; if so, we congratulate them sincerely upon
their advanced age and increasing wisdom. Like
every institution of respectable antiquity, we are
blessed with ghosts, and it is with these apparitions
that we connect the third letter of this curious rem-
nant of the Middle Ages. These ghosts appear first
in the Molson Hall and other centres of the University
where the spirit of professional investigation runs ram-
pant. They appear in a more conspicuous form in
the front lobby of the central building around Christ-
mas time (for give me a Christmas ghost), and they
disconsolately walk the halls of the University in the
spring. Those who have had the painful privilege
of seeing them hold that they resemble nothing more
strongly than a bird of some kind, which has, for
some unaccountable reason, doffed its plumage. This
has led investigators of a somewhat bold spirit to
connect the “ G ” with the preceding letter, by making
the latter stand for chicken ; but I cannot follow them
into such deep water as this. Evolutionists, for they
have been busy here as elsewhere, state that these are
the ghosts of men who were students at McGill at a
period so remote in the world’s history, that they had
not yet reached that stage where they could justify
66
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
that definition of man given by the ancient phil-
osopher, who described him as a featherless biped.
The three last letters of the first utterance in the
war cry are to be taken together, and the question at
once arises as to whether they are to be pronounced
in accordance with the continental rules of pronun-
ciation or after the old style. The discussion of this
matter, though of great interest and importance, would
take up too much time and space for the patience of
the ordinary reader, and at any rate it is a matter
which still remains unsettled.
To me the word seems to be English, in spite of
the fact of our being a classical University, and I
would simply take it to mean what it says. It points to
a state of uneasiness or pain produced by different and
varied circumstances, the character of which depends
upon time and place ; and it is doubtless for this reason
that our war cry ends with the reassuring reiteration of
the fact that McGill is all right. No matter what ad-
versities she may meet with, what momentary defeats
she may suffer, yet, whatever else may be wrong, the
smallest boy in the streets of Montreal will tell you
that McGill is all right. Surely no more encouraging
words could have been chosen to characterize the life :
and history of this great institution than those that
occupy so prominent a position in its well-known war
cry, and may it ever be said of McGill with truth and
honesty that “ She is all right.”
SIR RUPERT.
GAUGING THE ST. LAWRENCE.
The expedition to Lanoraie was a decided success.
The party consisted of Prof. McLeod, Prof. Smith,
Mr. Kerry, and about fifteen Civil and Mining stu-
dents.
At 7.30 a.m. the whole contingent was on the
wharf, ready for the start — an early hour for most of
us. Alarm clocks (set to sidereal time ?) had been
active all the morning. One member of the party
woke early enough to set his agoing. Breakfast was
taken in double quick time too. We understand that
the Harbor Commissioners’ floating shop is a capital
place to eat mutton pie in.
Soon we were spinning down the river in Senator
Drummond’s trim yacht “ Wild Rose” under the
command of Mr. F. R. Redpath. It was a splendid
run. How pleasant to glide along with a swift, easy
motion, invigorating breeze and cold spray chasing-
all signs of slumber from our faces. The time was
passed in song, jest and story. Between times one
would think we were all full-fledged engineers, judging
by the amount of professional small talk indulged in.
In good time we arrived at Lanoraie, and set to work
immediately. Our business was to gauge the flow of
the St. Lawrence whose mightly current gives
“ Its freshness for a hundred leagues to ocean’s briny wave.”
The arrangements for carrying on the work were
complete, and they were completely carried out, even
to consuming the contents of the huge lunch baskets
provide \ by Profs. Bovey and McLeod.
The rate of the current was determined by means
of long poles, weighted at one end so as to make them
float, standing vertically in the water. Closely follow-
ing each pole was a boat, in which were two sextant
men, who read off angles between certain fixed points
on shore, a man to note the readings and the exact
time at which they were taken, and a sturdy oarsman
to propel the boat when necessary. About twenty
such lines were run for a distance of ^ of a mile. On
shore were transits, etc., to establish necessary lines
and points. The rate of flow was also measured by
means of a current meter specially adapted for work
in deep water. Wednesday night was spent with
mine host “Champagne ” of the “Temperance” Hotel.
Early next morning, after filling his cash-box with a
goodly number of shekles, and wondering what such
a puzzle of a name could mean, we went to work once
more with an enthusiasm worthy of McGill men, and
when darkness again gathered round us, we had got
through with all our operations (except luncheon), and
were snugly gathered on board the yacht. We at
once steamed homewards with our three boats in tow,
and a score of tired but well-satisfied men on board.
Again the old reliable songs rang out over the water.
Conspicuous among the lusty singers were Prof. S. — ,
“ Billy” and G. M. H. Some of us retired within the
cosy cabin to crack jokes and perpetrate puns, while
others sat on the boiler to keep it warm, or stood on
deck to inhale the ozone. The “ Wild Rose” made
good headway in spite of her heavy cargo and strong
head wind and swift current. Once more we gathered
round the festive board, and this time the baskets sur-
rendered the last morsel. Late at night we were glad
to land in the city, and taking possession of a car,
we soon reached our beds, to rest our weary limbs
and dream of the events of the past two days.
Would that such expeditions came oftener.
G. R. M.,
Sci.y ’97.
POETRY.
SUNSET AT ATTAYA.
Now on the water’s crystal-clear calm breast
Lies a long pillar of rich crimsoning light ;
Shoreward the mountain rears its purple crest,
Deeply o’ershadowed by the coming night.
Slowly the sun sinks downward in the west.
Till, overcome by grey cloud masses’ might
It fades ; and dark the quiet waters rest ;
The cloud-bank covers the sun’s radiance bright.
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY
67
The wind is rising; though our oars lie still,
We drift adown the gently rippling lake.
No word we speak ; our minds grave thoughts do fill.
I>ut suddenly through the dark clouds doth break
The glorious sun again — grows brighter, till
A perfect globe of light appears, to make
The world seem bright. Then, all is darkness, chill —
Daylight and joy together sad leave take.
t
Now sadness seems to creep into our hearts
Where gladness leigned throughout the summer day.
You tako the oars again ; the light skiff darts
Over the waves, now showing grim and gray
Upon the lake. But on the beach that starts
J he camp-fire’s gleam, the sound of voices gay
Comes to us in the distance ; gloom departs,
By those young happy voices driven away.
M. T. W.
Arts ’96.
RENEWAL.
See the rose dying,
All faded lying,
Gone its fresh perfume, gone its red splendor.
What can restore it,
What shall breathe o’er it,
And to the poor flow’r life again render?
Only the dew may, only the sun !
So in life’s journey;
Oft in the tourney
When, bruis’d and wounded, the heart lies all bleeding, —
For like the flow’r,
The soul hath its hour.
Of darkness and storm, — from heav’n speeding,
Let a soft ray fall, a new life’s begun !
SOCIETIES.
UNIVERSITY LITERARY SOCIETY.
A meeting of the above Society was held on Friday
evening, 8th November, in No. 1 Class Room, Arts
Building, with President V. E. Mitchell in the chair.
An invitation to send a delegate to a dinner given
by Trinity College, Toronto, was received. The
Society, however, thought best to refuse this, owing to
the scarcity of funds. Mr. Luttrel, Arts ’99, opened the
programme with a difficult reading from the “Auto-
crat” the “ One Hoss Shay he was followed by Mr.
R. C. Paterson, Arts ’98, who read a learned essay on
“ Theatres,” which showed careful preparation.
Then came the debate of the evening : “ Resolved,
that the modern drama is on the whole beneficial to
mankind.”
Mr. Mitchell, Arts ’99, opened the debate for the
affirmative. He defined drama as a play with a plot,
and said that this definition excluded all burlesques
and low variety shows. He also criticized the unfair-
ness of those who, having never given the theatre a
fair trial, yet called it hard names.
Mr. R. P. Campbell, Arts ’97, followed for the nega-
tive. He contended that vice was so presented on
the stage that it might be easily mistaken for virtue.
The actors too were exposed to tremendous tempta-
tions.
Mr. Leney, Arts ’98, next spoke on the affirmative.
The drama, said he, appealed to those to whom the
other fine arts did not. It showed the triumph of
right over wrong. Plays like those of Shakespeare are
educators which appeal to everyone.
Mr. Armstrong, Arts’97, followed for the negative,
lie humorously sketched the modern comedy, and
asked f this was beneficial to mankind. Pie charac-
terized theatre-going as a waste of time.
Mr. Guthrie, Arts ’98, followed on the affirmative.
The lives of actors, according to him, had nothing to
do with the question, they were merely the parts of a
machine, and the debate was whether the work done
by this machine was beneficial to mankind or not. He
contended that the drama did not include burlesques,
etc., and that even in the lowest sort of dramas the
hero is praised and the villain vilified.
Mr. Duff, Arts ’98, volunteered to speak on the nega-
tive, and made some forcible remarks in his usual
happy and untrammeled style.
The Affirmative won by one vote.
It was then the pleasure of the Society to listen to
Mr. Ferguson’s able criticism. It was searching, kind
and true. The defects of the speakers were brought
out, and their good points praised. The criticism
made us all proud of the only Fourth Year Arts man
at the debate.
SCRIBUS SENIOR.
SECOND MEETING.
At the last meeting of the Society, several items on
the advertized programme were conspicuous by their
absence. The Committee apologized, and the Presi-
dent promised that in future two weeks’ notice should
be given to those who were expected to take part. It
was resolved that war should one day cease in the
world. In reality three essays were read on this sub-
ject, a circumstance which led the critic to condemn
written speeches as being quite out of harmony with
the aims and traditions of the Society. After the vote
had been taken — resulting in a victory for the affir-
mative — and before the criticism was delivered, sev-
eral members claimed their right of speech on the
resolution. Curiously enough these were nearly all
on the negative side, and seemed to meet with the
hearty approval of the meeting.
SCRIBUS JUNIOR.
McGILL Y. M. C. A.
The subject under discussion in the McGill Y. M.
68
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
C. A. on Sunday, November 10th, was Prayer, based
on Math. vi. i - 1 5. Mr. Tory led the meeting, and the
hour spent was an exceedingly pleasant and profitable
one, and proved an excellent preparation for the
special prayer service which immediately followed.
This service is held annually in compliance with the
request of the American International Conference and
the World’s Conference of Young Men’s Christian
Associations, and has special reference to the work
done by the Associations on behalf of young men
throughout the world. The meeting was in charge
of the President, Mr. Percy C. Leslie. Extracts were
read from letters from Mr. John R. Mott, who is now
making a tour of the world for the purpose of study-
ing the student-field and of deepening . the spiritual
life of college men. Mr. Mott is at the head of the
Intercollegiate Movement in America, — a man of most
wonderful personality and irresistible force of charac-
ter. He has visited Great Britain, France, Germany
and the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Aus-
tria and Hungary. His last report-letter was written
from the .Egean Sea. His grasp of the student-pro-
blem of America and Europe is most broad and com-
prehensive. As an organizer, it is difficult to find
his equal. The scheme he hopes to carry through is
no less than the federation of all the Christian stu-
dents of the world- He will be absent on his tour
about a year and a half.
Perhaps the most interesting meeting of our Asso-
ciation yet held was on the 17th inst. The study was
taken from Math. vii. 24-29, entitled “The House
on the Rock.” The conversational character of the
meetings and the informal manner in which they are
conducted seem to commend them to the men.
Immediately following, at 4 o’clock, Mr. Plugene
Stock, of the Church Missionary Society, spoke to a
crowded meeting presided over by Prof. C. A. Carus-
Wilson, at which many ladies, including a number
of Donaldas, were present. He spoke on “ Preparation
for Work in the Foreign Field.” Mr. Stock has an
easy and captivating manner of address ; his remarks
were pointed, pithy and practical.
Y. W. C. A.
Miss Pitcher had charge of the meeting of Nov.
8th. The subject was “ The Mercy-Seat,” and some
very practical lessons were drawn by comparing the
account given in Exodus, of the mercy-seat between
the cherubims of the ark, to which the High Priest
of the Jews had access in their behalf, and that mercy-
seat mentioned in Hebrews to which all may appeal.
On Nov. 15 th we had another missionary meeting.
Miss King gave us a description of Corea, as to its
climate and peoples, and also their manner of living.
Miss L. Reid and Miss Doull read to us short
accounts of work being done there, and then Miss R.
Watson, B.A., addressed us on Corea. This is where
our missionary interest is directed. In 1888 Toronto
University sent Mr. Gale as missionary to Corea, but
it was found necessary to send one who could gain a
firmer footing with the natives. The knowledge of
medicine proved to be necessary to accomplish this,
so in 1892, Dr. Hardy, a graduate in Medicine of the
same University, was sent. Since that time he has
been carrying on the work. In Corea there are at
present ten and a half million people and only sev-
enty-two missionaries. The need for more workers is
great. If we cannot ourselves go, let us make an
effort to send and support those who can.
Miss Ross told us at the end of our meeting that
she had been able through our envelope system to
send away to this missionary work some four dollars.
A 2 SOCIETY.
The members of the Delta Sigma Society, and
many of their friends, assembled in the theatre of the
Physics Building on Wednesday last, to hear the
accustomed annual lecture, given this year by Pro-
fessor Cox. All who listened to his delightful “Talk
on Music” carried away with them, we feel sure, a little
of the spirit of his enthusiasm. We hope Professor
Cox will allow us to print the lecture, so those may
read it who were denied the pleasure of listening.
Miss Pinder and others very kindly contributed to
the enjoyment of the audience in a practical way.
MINING SOCIETY.
The regular fortnightly meeting of the McGill
Mining Society was held in the old Science building-
o
on Friday evening, 15th Nov., 1895 ; the vice-pre-
sident in the chair.
Mr. N. N. Evans, M.A.Sc., read a most interest-
ing and instructive paper on the mining district of
Freiburg in Germany, illustrated by photographs,
maps, etc., also an account of the smelting process
which the ore undergoes. After which the meeting
adjourned.
McG. C. C.
The Classical Club did not fail to hold its regular
meeting on Wednesday evening, 13th Nov.
Mr. Campbell Howard, second vice-president, filled
the chair. An hour was spent in the enjoyment of
the programme, which consisted of an essay and a
reading.
Mr. Munn’s essay on “The Position of Woman in
Ancient Greece,” dealing with a subject none too
familiar to those present, was a rich treat.
Mr. Scrimger gave an excellent and appropriate
reading.
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY
6 9
’96 JOURNAL CLUB.
1 he Journal Club met on Friday evening, Nov.
15th, with the president, Harri H. Dell, in the chair.
The article of Dr. W. L. Williams, ’79, on “ Thera-
peutics of Colic,” was read, and proved very interest-
ing to all present. After the reading of this paper
a discussion ensued, during which many new ideas
concerning the subject in hand were brought out by
members.
Although the number present was small, the meet -
ing proved of such value as to warrant the holding of
another at an early date.
MONTREAL VETERINARY MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION.
The Association met in the Library, on Thursday
evening, 7th Nov., with the president, Dr. Baker, in
the chair.
There was a large attendance of members and
visitors, among the former being Drs. D. McEachran,
Adam, Mills and Martin.
The secretary was instructed to convey to Dr. F.
H. Osgood the thanks of the Association, for his dona-
tion of fifty copies of the 1895 report of the Mas-
sachusetts Board of Cattle Commissioners for distri-
bution among the members.
Mr. E. C. Thurston reported an interesting case of
oesophageal obstruction in a dog, the animal dying
shortly after admission to the hospital.
Mr. Harri H. Dell presented a carefully prepared
paper embodying the result of much original research
on Pyaemia in the Dog- His remarks were illus-
trated by microscopic specimens and mounted
sections shown under the microscope.
The paper evoked an animated discussion, the
essayist being highly complimented on the literary
and scientific merit of the paper.
Mr. J. Greer will read at the next meeting on
Physical Diagnosis, and Mr. J. H. Patterson will
furnish the case report.
H. D.
SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY OF COMPARA-
TIVE PSYCHOLOGY.
The above Society met in the Library, 6 Union
avenue, on nth Nov,, the president, Dr. Mills,
occupying the chair.
There was a good attendance, and two names were
added to the roll w
Mr. J. J. McCarrey read an interesting paper on
“ Effects of Music on Animals, ” a subject on which,
from the discussion, there appeared to be a diversity
of opinion. The essayist, however, ably defended
his statements.
Mr. E. H. Morris presented a paper on “ Fear and
Anger in Animals.” His remarks on the subject
were clear, concise, and showed a good knowledge of
the subject on the part of the writer.
Mr. J. Anderson Ness read a portion of an article
lately appearing in the Science Monthly on “ The
Psychology of Woman,” the discussion of which
was postponed until a future meeting.
Messrs. Kee and McNider will read papers at the
next meeting.
CLASS REPORTS.
COMPARATIVE MEDICINE CLASS
REPORTS.
The annual Alumni dinner will probably be held
early in the coming year.
I'he students show their appreciation of Dean
McEachran’s Saturday morning lectures by attending
in full force-
“ What has become of the Glee Club ? ” is the
question heard on all sides, and a very pertinent query
it is. With the nrisical talent in our midst we should
have a club second to none.
Through the kindness of Dr. G. Campbell, 1893,
the Second Year are now enabled to have weekly
grinds in Chemistry.
The First Year men are very anxious for the cold
weather to set in, so they can begin dissecting.
Judging by the attendance of the Plrst Year men at
Dr. Baker’s lectures and grinds, there will be few
plucked in Anatomy.
Great interest is taken in Dr. Mills’ lectures on
Cynology, and the First Year men have furnished
many very interesting subjects.
Third Year.
Query — Why are so many veterinary surgeons
afflicted with bunions, especially those stationed at
the “ Quarantines ”?
Answer. — It is simply the effect of their laudable
efforts to stamp out pleuro-pneumonia, tuberculosis
and other contagious diseases.
The Third Year have elected Mr. Harri Dell
valedictorian, and Messrs. Higgins and Thurston as
“ class historians ” ; the latter, by the way, are asking
some very impertinent questions-
1
7 o
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
Grand paw’s” stay within our scientific walls is
fast drawing to a close. We hope this is not wholly
due to the after-effect of minor operations performed
at The Kennels.
He tried to use the artery forceps, but it was in
vein.
Jimmy’s trousers are completed, but, sad to relate,
they don’t fit.
Our Faculty osteologist has resumed work on
the camel’s skeleton in a most Ernest manner.
SCIENCE NOTES.
Prof . — You had better use a rheostat to prevent
sparking.
Chorus of Students . — Oh ! we never spark.
The Fourth Year Miner who receives letters ad-
dressed “ Prof. W. M. W ” need not think it
a case of “ coming events cast their shadows before.”
The Governors have no intention of appointing him
to the vacant chair in Mining.
D s’ temperance drink.
Acetic acid + alcohol (equal parts) \ water to
taste.
(All these from the Lab. at McGill, and guaranteed
pure.)
When we found this formula in one of our text-
with the following values of a, #. a. (i>
a .00003959^ .00002603125 a' .000064375,
P .000000335625,
we hardly needed to be told : “ These values are
rarely of any practical value.
Will some of the students who have not subscribed
to the FORTNIGHTLY please remember that they are
not entitled to first pick of the papers when they
come up to College !
Pres, Walketn will represent Science on the
University Dinner Committee.
Voice from Dynamo room (via speaking tube).
— “Less noise, please.”
Reply from Ete. Lab. (via do.). — “ Oh ! you can’t
s (carus).
Who translated “ Quid rides ” as “ What does he
ride” ?
Why, a Science man.
The Fourth Year Mechanicals had their annual
bath at the Laurentian Baths last Thursday.
One would almost think it ungrammatical to say,
“ If I (I.) is small, w will be large.” But is that
the reason why the boys laughed when the professor
made the remark ? (Artsmen can get explanation
from the Science Editor.)
The boys played well at Cornwall, and Frank re-
fereed the game well enough ; but if you win the game
at Cornwall, your name is mud.
A party of v Civil Fmgineering students went down
the St. Lawrence last Wednesday, as far as the
mouth of the Richelieu, to make a survey of the river
there. They returned on Friday, and declared that
they had a grand time ; but from what we can gather,
the “grand time” consisted in rowing a heavy boat
about the river.
We were sorry to notice the epidemic of short-
sightedness which the Sophomores displayed at one
of their lectures last week.
Modern scientists have made important discoveries
with regard to blindness. But there is nothing new
under the sun. In the book of the Prophet Lluburnt
it is inscribed that a blind man can’t read b. co-
secant c.
Prof- A. — says that certain coal areas are of miner
importance.
Harry got a good photo of Vercheres wind-mill,
with a group of the most respectable men in ‘the
University sitting at its base.
The Mechanicals and Electricals are allowed in
the drawing rooms again.
At Vercheres, K — 1 — y (spying loads of hay),
“ Boys, if we get run in, there’s lots of hale.”
Voice.— “ Yes, and when that’s all gone we can bail
out the boats.”
We missed the “ leading lady’s ” merry voice at
Lanoraie.
LEGAL BRIEFS.
We learn with great pleasure that there is a
movement on foot among the members of the
Legal profession, to have the courts and offices closed
at 1 p.m. on Saturday. If this magnificent
scheme succeeds, it is apparent that the health of
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY,
those fragile flowers, the Law students, will be much
improved thereby. As a rule, the Law students are
greatly overworked. They hurry down to their
offices every morning at about 10 o’clock and have
barely time to read the papers or smoke a pipe with
the graduate of last year — who has an office upstairs
and not too many clients, — before being cruelly sent
up to the Court to fyle a plea or take out a writ.
In the afternoon, this performance, which every
fair-minded person will admit is of the most trying-
kind, is repeated. This is not the worst, however ;
no sooner is the office work completed than the
miserable men have to rush up to lectures. The
physical and mental strain during lectures is simply
awful. The scheme above mentioned has therefore
our entire approval.
Some days ago Mr. S. was asked if he had
anything to report regarding the Y. M. C. A. S.
was rather reticent upon the subject, but since then
we have observed several notices concerning the
services, meetings, etc. Our representative is evi-
dently doing his duty in the most satisfactory
manner.
Last week, our friend M., who, without consider-
ing expense, had invested in a new hat, was en-
raged to find that some person or persons to him
unknown had shoved the peg whereon said hat was
wont to hang through the crown thereof.
This little joke is a rather common one, and we
quite sympathize with M. in his fearful indignation.
The great football match between the teams
representing the Faculties of Law and Arls is to be
played on Wednesday, the 20th inst. The Law men
are all in the best of condition, so much so indeed
that it was decided that no practice would be neces-
sary. The Law team will be composed of the
following well known athletes : —
Back, — Duclos ; Half Backs,— Aylmer, Donahue
(Capt), Kennedy; Quarter,— Montgomery ; Scrim-
mage,— Sinn, Hingston, Hanson; Wings— Armstrong,
Boyd, Bickerdike, Hickson, Cook, Bond, Burnette;
Reserves — Laverty, Honan, Doucet, and fifteen others
Professors Fortin and Ryan have kindly con-
sented to postpone the lectures due by them the
afternoon of the match.
ARTS NOTES.
*
Fourth Year.
Some time ago the Professor of French mooted the
scheme of organizing a French club for both lady
and gentleman students. For some reason, or rea-
sons, the project is only now emerging from the in
nnbibus stage and taking definite constitutional
form. The following conversation will perhaps give
some hint to the uninitiated as to the cause of delay :
Stud : Quand aurons-nous notre premiere reunion,
Professeur ?
Prof : Ah ! II y a une difficult^. Vous avez une
reputation tres mauvaise ; vous etes separes
comme des betes feroces.
Stud: C’est la vraie verite.
A prominent, but in this a rather over-confident,
young man, recently tried to introduce a mustache-
shaving cult among the members of the graduating
class, by appearing one morning minus the usual
adornment of his upper lip. Unfortunately for the
success of his plan, our time is too much taken up with
weightier subjects to warrant our learning new per-
sonal habits, even though they would necessitate the
admiring of ourselves in a mirror.
A sweet little bird has whispered to us that the
Donaldas are advised not to look out of the window,
lest they should see things they ought not to see, and
not to pass too often from building to building, —
possibly because they might meet “things” they
should not meet. When will this Reign of Terror
cease ?
Third Year.
Prof, of Classics : “ Gentlemen, I am sorry to say
that I have been informed that one of your number
makes use of a * crib ’ ! I am unwilling to believe this,
and so desire that the one suspected will answer
guilty or not guilty.”
Class to a man : “ Not guilty, sir.”
(In an Honor lecture) Miss Susy : — “ Say, Bub, ask
Mac for my ribbon.”
Bub (in a stage whisper to Mac) : — “ Susy wants to
know if you’ll walk home with her.”
Mac : — “You just bet.”
(And he couldn’t understand why the class laughed.)
The First Year students are signing their names in
the Library Register as “ Arts ’99.” A young Don-
alda asks, “ What are the next year girls to sign ? ”
Some invention must be forthcoming ; it must never be
that they should be set down as “00 ” (naught-y
girls).
On Thursday, the 14th of November, A.D. 1895,
an unusual vibration might have been noticed in the
peaceful aether of the Library. All eyes were
rivetted on four daring youths, who in one moment
72
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY
of heroism had dashed to the earth certain time-
worn (or, better, “ worn-out ”) traditions by coolly
seating themselves at the second table, reserved to
the exclusive use of the East Wings.
A Fourth Year man had entered the hall, had dis-
covered his favorite seat occupied by a Donalda, and,
torn by convulsing emotions and aided by an appre-
ciative following, had acted as above related.
The heroes were immediately put to flight by one
of the librarians.
Trivial as was this incident, it faces us with the
question : Why should these things be ?
Why should four tables and the easy chairs be
reserved for the fair sex and the remaining tables
and the hard chairs for the wise sex ?
Were it not for such a barrier, the senior Donalda
could imbibe knowledge beside the Freshman. The
freshman-Donalda could aid the manly Sophomore.
The “men” could learn how. to study twenty-three
hours and fifty-nine minutes out of twenty-four
hours ; the “women ” how to combine the four S’s, —
Study, Society, Sports and Success.
Men-students and lady-students, seniors, juniors,
sophomores and children, book-worms, happy*med-
iumsand book-butter-flies, let us unite against the tie
that separates, and study side by side.
Amor Vincit Omnia.
Second Year.
Dean . — “ I see two gentlemen whispering ; if they
are seeking information, they are, I fear, adding two
“ noughts ” together.
The name of “ Mr. ” Duff was omitted in the list
of wings on the ’98 football team given in the last
number.
The Arts ’98 football team defeated the Freshmen
by a score of 7 to o. It was a rattling good game
from start to finish, and the picturesque effect of
the combat was heightened by the antics of Mr.
Burke, ’99, who played all over the field by himself.
Every member of our team deserves honorable
mention.
Mr. Bishop, one of the popular members of our
Year, has been laid up with a twisted knee, since the
game with Arts ’97, when he met with the accident.
We are glad to welcome him back even “ on
cruches.”
We appreciate the kind concern of the Juniors in
regard to our youthful bashfulness. We might,
however, remind them that speaking much and speak-
ing to the point are two very different things. Still,
I suppose we are a little bashful compared with the
brazen front of our critics, and in this connection we
would again emphasize the difference between
demagogues and orators. We have no lack of dig-
nified and gentlemanly speakers ; and when anything
is to be done , ’98 is always there, and generally first.
Arts ’98 defeated Arts ’97 at football by a score of
5 to 4. Our back division did especially well, Messrs.
Grace and Trenholme playing fine football. Mr.
Russell played the game for ’97.
We tender our sincere sympathy to ’97 in their
sore trial and humiliation. We are sorry that any
Year in McGill could not beat a “prep” school.
Were they completely “ Tuckered ” out ?
First Year.
The first of a series of pamphlets, to be regularly
issued hereafter, containing exercises for Latin Prose
Composition, has at length come to hand.
The change meets with the approval of the stu-
dents ; but why not go a step farther, and let us have
in a similar form the Latin sentences intended for
illustrating principles of syntax, etc. ?
At present, very few of the students get the exact
wording of these sentences as they are dictated, and
so much of what should be very valuable is almost
wholly lost.
“When Greek” (First Year) “joined Greek”
(Second Year) in the narrow corridor, truly “ there
was the tug of war.”
Prof . — “ Avez-vous soif, Mons. P.”
Mons. P. — “Non, monsieur, j’ai femme;” and
Mons. P. wondered why the class laughed.
Query . — Why do the gentlemen (?) generally sit
facing the Donaldas in the Library?
One of the wise (?) Sophomores endeavored
recently to make a certain innocent Freshman
believe that the “At Home” card he had just
received was nothing less than an invitation to a
wedding; and that the mysterious letters R.S.V.P.
indicated that for a present 1 Real Silver (is) Vastly
Preferred.”
MEDICAL CLASS REPORTS.
Medicine in the past has always, been well
represented on the football-field, and this year is no
exception.
From the Fourth Year we have Brunelle, the
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
73
plucky full-back, who has saved the McGill goal so
often ; Tees, one of the fastest forwards ; and Lome
Drum, who has done much to build up football in the
College.
Alley and Sparrow, both crack wings, and Pro-
derick, of last year’s Seniors, hail from the Third
Year.
Schwartz, who is undoubtedly one of the best
wingmen we ever had, and Grace, of the redoubtable
scrim, are of the Sophs ; and Levesque, our brilliant
quarter, is a Freshman.
Has not Medicine a right to be proud of her
men ?
A Freshman is credited with the following : —
“ The stomach is a comical stack situated beneath
the diagram, and above the abominable cavity.”
We note with much pleasure the interest Dr.
Gunn has taken in football, in so kindly donating a
trophy to be defended by the Fourth Year. It is
creating quite astir among the foot-ball enthusiasts,
and will no doubt be the means of bringing out some
new material from the other Years for next season’s
College team.
Fourth Year.
Dr. Evans’ grinds and classes in palpation are much
appreciated by the Final Year. So practical are
these, that — like Oliver Twist — we long for more,
especially the latter.
Mr. F (reading house-surgeon’s report). —
“ Patient went to Ontario — no ! I mean the out-door
patient’s (pause and consultation with house sur-
geon), “ patient’s upper teeth are false.” (laughter.)
Mr. F. — (in explanation) — “You see, gentlemen,
this is not my report.”
Head Surgeon — “ An excellent report it is.”
(The house comes down, and F\ subsides.)
C , to M (who has taken C’s turn look-
ing through the microscope). — “ Well, we read that
Caesar possessed all Gaul in his day, but you pretty
nearly come up to him.”
W makes a tolerably good-looking young
woman. He caused quite a sensation when he appear-
ed in nurse’s attire at the Civic last week, though his
moustache was a little anomalous, and, besides, there
was no waste of material in the epigastric region.
We learn though that M has since gone one.
better, and capped the climax by borrowing the
nurse’s head-dress as well.
Third Year.
On Saturday, Nov. 9th, a foot ball match was
fought out between ’96 and ’97.
’96 were walloped all over and covered with
dirt — score 9 to 7. The Third Year had the best of
it all through.
On Saturday, the same Years played for a
trophy, given by Dr. Gunn, to be defended by the
Fourth Year. We hadn’t the heart to take it away
from them.
I — — —
The Third Year didn’t begin their good work
early enough in the game. There was, however,
some good individual play.
Barclay takes a whole team to stop him. Hard-
ing plays a clever game, and rushed the ball away
from Tees and Brunelle once in good style. Jim
Johnson could have played a much swifter game if
his hat hadn’t fallen off. Knox Tierny did good
work hugging the ball.
Second Year.
Messrs. Smith and Blackett were elected as
representatives on the reading room committee.
The Second Year decided that the best place to
rush the Freshmen was on the College Campus.
Rugby was decided on, and on Thursday, 7th, a full-
dress rehearsal was held. Much originality was
shown by the players both in style of play and
costume. Some of the men showed up in fine form,
especially the secretary, after the distressing accident
that befell him.
On Saturday, 9th, the game took place, and the
Freshmen were rushed pretty badly, and covered
with mud, — in fact, the mud was rubbed in pretty
deeply over the available portions of their anatomy.
FEATHERS FROM THE EAST WING.
It is a pity that one must cautiously and only occa-
sionly soar into realms of poetic fancy, in our col-
umns. We feel for you, our poets, with your young
souls yearning to give forth some lofty thought in
sublime verse. Alas! poetry is an expensive luxury
with us, and all we can do to atone for thus condemn-
ing you to obscurity is to promise to inscribe on your
tombstones :
“ Chill Penury repress’d their noble rage,
And froze the genial current of the soul.”
Thus the world shall know that through no fault of
your own you lived unknown to fame. But if you
74
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
cannot wait for a tombstone and “ bridle in your
struggling muse with pain,” what does mere printed
form matter? Express your feelings thus : “The rain
is coming down in sheets, just hear it on the roof!
I’m glad I have my rubbers here, also my waterproof.
And when I get home dripping wet, I’ll take my
rubbers off, and drink a little Pectoral, to keep away
a cough.”
Then you may bid defiance to printers’ laws, and
with melody and beauty reveal to us those throbbings
of a poetic heart.
The Freshies are beginning to study French Law,
and the question agitating them at present is whether
the Chief of Police would be fined if he arrested an
innocent individual. Can anyone enlighten them on
this subject ?
Found in a Donalda’s note-book : —
Carbon is made from bones discovered in 1774 by
Brandt in Germany.
We were told that we might spend Thanksgiving
Day in a very enjoyable and at the same time useful
way, — that is, by taking salts. It depends on the kind
of salts and how we take them, in this case we find
them in our Chemistry Book.
I'hings which were remembered on Thanksgiving
day: — Mechanics exam., December 16, and Latin
Prose till Xmas.
Why is it that we appear worried and distracted ?
We cannot find a quiet spot in which to study — ex-
cept the Library ! The Library! Hearken, my deluded
friend. Take your book and sit down in the Library
for half an hour. In all probability you are studying
for that Thesis. The Jesuits, Cardinal Richelieu and
Wallenstein are becoming living realities. Your eyes,
riveted on the absorbing page, glow with enthusiasm.
Your breathing grows quick and heavy. Suddenly
your ideas become confused. The Jesuits seem to be
running saw mills ; Richelieu and Wallenstein are
filing saws. Down from your heights you come
abruptly. Your lofty sentiments vanish, and with a
scowl you look around to find that your neighbor,
having broken the point of her, pencil is, with the
united aid of a penknife and the polished surface of the
table, making a new point.
But that is nothing — nothing worth mentioning.
To be sure it will take you five or ten minutes to get
interested again, and there is every probability that
the saw-mill will again begin to run. But please don’t
lose your temper. The Library was meant as a place
for study, not angry meditations and muttered
threats.
Orders should be sent in early for the collection of
French Sonnets written by members of the Second
Year, which is shortly to appear. Do not fail to
procure one. A great rush is anticipated.
At a meeting of the Fourth Year on Tuesday, the
19th, Miss Hammond was elected our Valedictorian.
We feel that this our last honor has been most deserv-
edly bestowed on her who has so skillfully directed
our class affairs as president for several years of our
college course.
Our Wing looks bare for want of “ feathers.” The
class-reporters solicit contributions from those caring
to prevent further exposures of this kind.
ATHLETICS.
FOOT-BALL MATCH.
Fourth Year Meds. vs. Third Year.
The game on Saturday, November 9, between the
“ mud-larks ” of the Fourth Year, and the “ clay-backs ”
of the Third Year, was one of the finest exhibitions of
foot-ball as it should be played— not, that it has ever been
our lot to witness.
The day and ground were eminently fitted for a display
of the abilities of both teams. A very wet rain had been
falling for some time, and daring the game gentle north-
east zephyrs laden with cool, refreshing moisture fanned
the fevered brows of the contestants, lessening the danger
from delirium and hyperpyrexia.
The field itself was in almost perfect condition. A layer
of soft mud, not common, every-day muddy mud, but mud
of a loving, clinging nature, covered the whole field to a
depth of not less than two inches. This mud formed such
an attachment for the players that much of it left home in
their company, and the College authorities mourn the loss
of a large amount of real estate.
The noted “ Blue Jeans Ambulance Corps ’’were in
attendance, and rendered valuable service succoring the
wounded. Their welcome cry of “ Phagocytes! Phago-
cytes!” rose high above the din of battle, renewing the
courage of the wounded. The gallant attempt to remove
Harding of the “ clay-backs,” who had broken the rules by
catching the ball on purpose, will be handed down to pos-
terity along with the “ Charge of the Light Brigade.”
Sergt. Leuoeyte Leslie, Corp. Phagocyte Hogan were in
charge of.all isolation and removal of the wounded, while
Pte. Fibrinogen Finley and Pte. Stagnation were the
dressers.
It is beyond the power of human pen to describe the
game, the play was so fast, so replete with artful dodges
that the eye could scarce follow its changes. Suffice it to
say that the “ clay-backs” came out victorious by 9 pts.
to 7 pts. The “ mud-larks,” however, claim that their
opponents took an unfair advantage in playing some men
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY
75
who really could catch and kick a ball, while their men
were carefully selected to avoid any such mishap. There
is no doubt that the contention is a just one, and had they
been less careful in picking out a team the result would
have been different.
It is meet here that the star players should receive some
recognition of their services.
Kendrick and McAllister were particularly good wrest-
lers ; Craig and Irvine shone as sprinters, but both seemed
to see how much running they could do without making
any headway ; Irvine is great at dropping on the ball ;
Kemp is a mud-lark of the first rank, and was in his element
on Saturday; Duckett is good, and had a swell uniform
on ; there were two Churches on the team, but as no
clergyman was present, they were closed for repairs after
the game. Thompson and Edwards were too good for
this to mention them at all ; Staples and Grant became
unrecognizable early in the game, and we couldn’t follow
their play very well ; Curran and McAuley were birds,
but their feathers were sadly draggled.
The Third Year were too good to deserve recognition
and praise from us. Their reward will come again. Suffice
it that they won the game and played the best toot- ball.
The teams were as follows : —
Fourth Year. — Duckette, McAuley, Church, Thomp-
son, Edwards, Grant, Kemp, Staples, Church, Curran,
McAllister, Kendrick, Elliot, Craig, Irvine.
Third Ye vr.— McLeod, Roy, Jost, Harding, Kirby,
Robertson, Tierny, Foster, H. R. McRae, Robert Hurd-
man, Kienan, Hayden, McLennan, Smith.
Ambulance Corps.— Long, Muloney, O’Reilly, Laing,
Herman, Roberts.
Arnica and Lint Bearers. — B. Deane, Mick Graynor,
Joe Lockery, J. D. McRae.
Couches. — Sparrow, Proderick, Harvey.
McGILL 2ND vs. CORNWALL.
On Saturday, November 1 6, the McGill Intermediate
team played a friendly game at Cornwall with the team of
that place.
The game was very one-sided, McGill winning hands
down with a score of 21 to o. The boys played a first
class team game, and were never in danger. Davidson at
Quarter, Lynch at Full, and Drinkwater at Half were in
good form. The Scrimmage also worked well, and the
Wings played their usual fast game. Balfour was especially
in evidence.
The teams lined up as follows : —
McGill.
Lynch
Burnett.
Burnham.
Drinkwater.
Davidson.
Ross.
McMaster.
Bond.
Back
Halves
Quarter
Scrimmage
Cornwall.
Primeau.
( Ferguson.
i Cameron.
Turner.
Lister.
C Cotter.
•j Sewell.
( Peacock.
Balfour.
Whitton.
Sise.
McPhail.
MacLennan.
Todd.
1 (McDonell.
| Copeland.
! ) Pettet.
( Wings. j Broderick.
J | Barbour,
j ( McCutcheon.
Referee — F. Packhard.
We are glad to note that Messrs. Ernie McLea, Harry
Trenholme and W. Irving, who were injured in this
season’s games, are all progressing favorably, and are able
to be around again.
ARTS vs. LAW.
Arts feels thirsty after the victory of the 20th inst. Is
there no one who will give us a cup ?
Four to one is a small score, yet its smallness furnishes
no criterion to the brilliancy of the play. Such was the
score on Wednesday last, when rival teams from Arts and
the Faculty whose name '‘rhymes with Jaw ” met “ in a
friendly contest ” at Football. The explanation of this match
is to be found in a letter from the Faculty of Law challeng-
ing the Faculty of Arts to a friendly contest at Football,
with the condition, however, that the men in Arts who had
played on the 1st XV. should not be included in the team
to play against Law. The Artsmen, nothing daunted,
accepted the challenge, and agreed to play a match, with
the result that the Arts XV. defeated the Law XVI, by 4
points to 1. We would suggest, that should the Law men
wish to renew their challenge, they should attach as condi-
tions to be observed by themselves something similar to
the following : “ That all the aforesaid XVI. shall not bring
their Civil (or uncivil) Codes, nor that Faculty that rhymes
with Law,” to the aforesaid match, but shall leave the
aforesaid moveable goods and chattels at their respective
domiciles.” Under such conditions Arts would probably
play up better, and the referee would have more chance
to hear himself think.
Promptly at the half hour after the appointed time, the
Arts XV. and Law XV L slid on to the Campus, and the
match began.
A delightful variety of costume was to be seen, from the
immaculate white sweater of the embryo lawyer to the
weather-beaten, canvas “ limb-warmers ” of the would-be
B.A. It did not take long however, for such variety to
disappear; these distinguishing marks being all changed
alike to landmarks in an incredibly short time.
\
The first difficulty arose from a dispute between the
referee and the rival captains as to whether Law’s XV.
should be composed of sixteen or seventeen men, this was
amicably settled by agreeing that Law’s XV. should be
sixteen. Soon the referee was plunged deeper into the
mysteries of the rules by being called upon to decide as to
whether or not Law should have a free kick when their %
back picked the ball out of the scrimmage. Such a trifle
was easily settled, but when the question arose (the “ throw
out” from touch being in favor of Arts) as to whether the
Law men should procure another ball and continue the
game with it, or whether they should follow the ordinary
76
McGill fortnightly
mode of procedure with the original ball, a problem diffi-
cult to solve was met with. We are glad to say that the
auditors (they can hardly be called spectators) came to the
aid of the players and decided in favor of Arts. Still the
referee did his duty nobly, sliding from one basis in the
desert of mud to another with the greatest agility, until on
the verge of despair he remembered he had another impor-
tant engagement, and whistled for time ; time rushed to his
assistance, and the match was over.
The Arts XV. then gave the Law XVI. three cheers.
1 his did not satisfy the Law XVI; they took the case
en dchbere for five minutes, and then triumphantly pro-
ceeded to score an imaginary touch down.
fortunately for Arts the referee was being congratulated
at the time on his lucky escape, and so could not alter the
score. At the date of writing the score is still unaltered,
and will probably remain so unless some of our learned
friends from the Eastern (not East) wing endeavor tov
\6yov KpeiTToo iroieiv.
N.B. — Just before going to press we learn that a suit is
pending between the McG. U. F, Club and the members
of the Law “ scrum ” as to the rightful ownership of the
real estate that was appropriated from the campus on the
20th inst. We hope that Law may win in their footbal l
suit, but in such & grave matter do not care to express any
opinion.
MATRIMONIAL.
Gunn— Brainerd.— On Wednesday, Nov. 13th, Mr.
Robert A. Gunn, Sc. ’94, was married to Miss Lillian
Miranda, daughter of the Hon. Herbert Brainerd, of St.
Albans, Vermont.
Mr. Gunn is well known to the Undergraduates of Mc-
Gill. lo him the Glee and Banjo Clubs owe much, pos-
sibly among other things their very existence, certainly a
large share of their rapid growth. Of these clubs he was
business manager during the sessions ’93-’ 94 and ’94-’95.
It may also be remembered by some that Mr. Gunn, in
a letter to the Fortnightly last session, proposed the
plan for a University night, the carrying out of which
scheme was accompanied by perhaps more interest and the
success it achieved was perhaps greater than that attending
any other project yet undertaken by the undergraduates.
Mr. Gunn graduated from the Science Faculty of Mc-
Gill in ’94, and is at present in charge of the laying of an
electric road between Nutley and New York.
OUR EXCHANGES.
Queen's University Journal comes out this year in
a new coat, donned not because the old one was the
worse of wear, but because fashion changes and vari-
ety is the spice of life. The new coat is certainly
tasty and becoming-
I he contents aie in keeping with the outside
appearance. That fine feathers do not make fine birds,
we know, but we are doubly disappointed when we
find second class matter done up inside attractive
book or journal covers. Queen's University Joitrnal
does not disappoint us, editorials, contributed arti-
cles, sports and college news, all are bright and well
written.
With the first number is a portrait of the late Dr.
Williamson, vice-president of the University, who died
last September, and who had been connected with
the University for fifty-three years.
From some of the records of their annual games
Queen’s must have some men strong and mighty.
McRae put the 56 lb- 30 ft. in., and the hammer
103 ft. 8 in. These are the only events in which they
surpassed our records. That they have co-education
in Queen’s is shown by a list of class officers, in Medi-
cine, in which the vice-president of each year is a
Miss. And speaking of class officers, they have a
number that are not known in McGill at all : Poet,
Prophet, Orator, Antiquarian, Historian, Critic and
Marshal ; would not some of these be ornamental at
least, and perhaps useful in our colleges ? We wish
our fellow- workers in college journalism of the Lime-
stone city, success during this the XXIII. year of
the Journal's career.
That Yale is a large University, most of us have
known for some time ; that she has a first class glee
club, we all found out on Sports Night. Now the ex-
change editor has something else to tell of Yale : she
has a good illustrated, humorous, fortnightly paper,
The Yale Record.
Is not the following as applicable to McGill as to
Yale ?
TO NINE l Y NINE.
As Freshmen first to Yale they roam,
These lusty gallants just from home,
1 o seek, perchance, for knowledge,
They wear on vest, lapel, or coat,
Or radiant necktie round their throat.
The emblems of their college.
They swear to Yale they will be true,
Their color ever will be blue ;
Their loyalty is seen.
But spite of banners and of badges.
So proudly sent to Beths and Madges,
Their color still is green.
From over the seas, in the Emerald Isle, comes
The Droghedean, published by the students of the
Grammar School there. It is full of newsy school
notes and readable articles on various subjects ; one,
on the University Matric. called the “ Little-Go ”
Exam., shows plainly that that exam, is harder there
than it is with us, and includes that bugbear of the
scholars, “ Orals.”
We do not feel flattered by the notice they have
taken of us in their Exchange column. We believe
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
77
the McGill Fortnightly is more than a School
Magazine.
King's College Record , of Windsor, N.S., gives in
its first number for this year an article on the poet
Burns ; a detailed account of the Jubilee of Bishop’s
College, Lennoxville, interesting to their readers on
account of the church connection of the two colleges ;
well written book and magazine review notes, college
news and student personals. Altogether a full and
interesting number.
READABLE PARAGRAPHS.
WHERE AUTHORITIES DIFFERED.
The reading class was standing in a stiff row upon
the floor of an Indian schoolhouse, and a bright little
fellow was drawling a paragraph about a Roman
massacre.
The President of the School Board was present on
his regular tour of inspection, and he pompously re-
quested that the boy “ read that verse again.”
The “ verse-” was read again.
« Ah ! h’m ! ” said the great man in a loud voice.
“ Why do you pronounce that word massa-ker ? ”
The boy was silent.
“ It should be pronounced massa-kre, ” continued
the great man, with a patronizing smile-
The boy remained quiet, but the teacher finally
spoke :
“ Pardon me, sir,” she said, “ but the fault is mine
if the word is mispronounced. I have taught the
class to pronounce it ‘ massa-ker’.”
“ But why ?” insisted the great man, as a look of
surprise was followed by a look of pain upon his be-
nign features.
“ I believe that Webster favors that pronunciation,’’
said the teacher meekly.
“ Impossible,” said the great man.
The dictionary was brought, and the President of
the School Board turned over its leaves until he found
the word. There was a breathless silence as he looked
up.
“ I am astonished, madam,” he said at last, “ that
Daniel Webster should have made such a mistake as
that.”
Apropos of the death of Mr. Justice Hawkins’s fox-
terrier “ Jack,” which has just occurred, a provincial
paper tells a story current at Warwick of Jack and
his master being caught ratting by a farmer on the
banks of the Avon. His lordship, nowise disconcerted
tendered a sovereign to cover the trespass, which the
farmer, affronted by such a cool proceeding, refused
with indignation.
“ You’d better take it,” said the Judge; “it’s a
reasonable offer.”
Then the farmer got so angry, that Sir Henry
announced himself. “And what is more, sir,” said he,
“you shall go with me to the Warwick Arms and
crack a bottle of champagne with that sovereign
immediately.”
The story adds that there was free ratting for
Jack on that bit of land as long as he lived. There
are other stories about Jack, and it is said that when
sitting on the Bench with his master he once ventured
to express his opinion on the matters before him in a
singularly loud tone. The tale goes that Sir Henry,
with the greatest promptitude, directed the ushers to
“ turn that dog out of the gallery.”
The ushers, of course, did not find a dog in the
gallery, and nobody ventured to look under the Bench.
On solemn occasions'Jack was always attached to the
judge’s wrist by a long blue ribbon, and many a junior
has beguiled the tedium of a case by watching the
ribbon gradually unroll as Jack pursued his investiga-
tions, while Sir Henry every now and then “ hauled
in the slack.”
Three tailors — an Englishman, Welshman and
Irishman — were bragging of their attainments in
their particular line of business. Says the English-
man : — “Why, if a man happened to be walking on the
other side of the street, I could take his measure at a
glance .” Says Taffy “ That’s nothing. If I was only
to see the tip of his soulter coming roundt the corner
I could measure him, look you. ? ’ Pat : — “ Och, by the
powers! Show us the corner he wint round, Oi’d fit
him.”
A man had forgotten to go home to supper one
evening, and, knowing what awaited him, he purchased
a set of miniature flags, and put them into his pocket.
“John Henry !” exclaimed his wife, as he entered the
house ,“ I should think you’d be ashamed of yourself to
treat your wife with so little consideration !’’ He slowly
unrolled his little package of flags, took out a square
red one with a black square in the centre, and fastened
it to the mantel. “ What’s that ? ” she demanded
sharply. “ Storm signal,” he replied pleasantly. She
drew herself up haughtily. Once or twice she seemed
on the point of speaking, but controlled herself, and
finally turned coldly away. He merely took down
78
McGILL FORTNIGHTLY.
the red flag, and replaced it with a white one. “ Cold
wave,” he said. There was a moment’s silence, and he
saw that her feelings were hurt. “ You’re 4 cruel, ” she
said, at last. “You stay away from dinner, and then
you come home just to make fun of me. I — I — ” He
put up a blue flag. “Rain or snow,” he said. “Why do
you want to be so mean ?” she asked, tearfully. “ Why
can’t you be the dear, kind man you used to be ? I
won’t be cross again.” He put up white flag. “Fair
weather,” he said, “ and, also, a flag of truce. I
capitulate to tears.” And the white flag floated the
entire evening.
SUCH is fame!
A young woman of twenty-three, escorted by a
young man about two years her senior, were visitors
at the Executive Chamber recently. They stopped
to look at the oil portrait of George Washington.
The young woman stepped back a little, and said, in
a reflective manner I know that fellow; I have
seen him somewhere.” — Albany, N.Y., October 26.
The window display made by a Glasgow news-
paper in connection with one of the races between
“ Defender” and “Valkyrie ” included a dial to indicate
American time. “That clock’s clean wrang,” said a
man, as he pushed his way into the thick of the enor-
mous crowd that had assembled, “ it’s five hoors
ahint.” “Hoots, min,” said a wag, “if they had na
pitten back the time the race wid hae been encroach-
in’ on the Sawbath Day.” “ Losh, freen’, I never
thocht o’ that. Naebody can beat thae Yankees for
cute doges.”
During the war old Rastus was asked by a Federal
soldier why he was not out fighting for his rights.
After pondering for a moment, he replied, “ Did yo’
ebbersee two dogs a fightin’ over a bone, sah ? ”
“ Yes, oh yes ! ” “ Did you ebber see de bone fight ? ”
FAME DESPISED.
“ Mr. Speaker,” exclaimed a member of the New
South Wales parliament, “ my colleague taunts me
with a desire for fame. I scorn the imputation, sir.
Fame, sir! What is fame? It is a shaved pig with a
greased tail, which slips through the hands of thou-
sands, and then is accidentally caught by some lucky
fellow who happens to hold on to it. I let the
greasy-tailed quadruped go by me without an effort
to clutch it, sir.”
LAW vs. ARTS.
The Editors have received, but unfortunately too
late for publication, a full account of this now much-
talked -of football contest, from the Law point of
view, together with a very elaborate legal document,
in the form of a Protest, which we gather was duly
servedon the Arts team, and afterwards withdrawn.
The important point to be noticed is, that the Law
version of the battle is confirmatory of that which
appeared in the daily papers, giving the victory to
Law, and herein it differs radically and vitally from
the account printed in another column. The Fort-
nightly is bound, in this as in all other inter-Faculty
matters, to maintain the strictest neutrality and to
give all parties a fair hearing. Therefore, the docu-
ments submitted will be published in due course. As
a proof of our sincerity in this matter towards Law,
we have only to state that we have stopped the print-
ing' press and considerably discommoded the
printers in order to insert this notice.
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